By Florida Catholic staff - Florida Catholic
ATLANTIC CITY | The Archdiocese of Miami needed no “luck of the draw” at this year’s Catholic Media Conference in Atlantic City, New Jersey. At the international conference June 16-19, 2026, the archdiocese’s Florida Catholic and La Voz Católica hit the jackpot, earning a total of 17 awards – an increase from last year’s 12.
Continuing its tradition of excellence in Spanish-language media, the Archdiocese of Miami’s La Voz Católica ranked third place for “Spanish publication of the year.” The combined efforts of Emilio de Armas, Rocío Granados, Manolo Villaverde and Maritza Álvarez were recognized for producing La Voz.
Another highlight was Archbishop Thomas Wenski’s discussion on immigration and human dignity, which won first place in the “Bishop’s Column in a Diocesan Magazine/Newspaper,” Spanish-language category. Judges praised the archbishop for “offering an impressive dialogue between faith and reason, as well as between the Gospel and public life.” Another column by Father Eduardo Barrios won second place in the Spanish-language category, “Best Regular Column – Spiritual Life.”
Rocío Granados, former editor of the Florida Catholic and La Voz Católica, earned six awards for her work covering topics such as the Hispanic community and immigration. Ana Rodriguez-Soto, Granados’ predecessor, won third place in Spanish-language “Best Writing – In-Depth” for “Un año para celebrar 100,” detailing the history of the Institución Teresiana (IT), a lay association with significant educational impact in the archdiocese.
Freelancer Cristina Cabrera Jarro, in collaboration with Granados, was honored with first place in “Best Coverage of Ecumenical and Interfaith Issues.” Their submissions covered topics such as a March 2025 Holocaust exhibit at St. Louis Covenant School in Pinecrest, where students stepped inside the Hate Ends Now Cattle Car exhibit to reflect on experiences of concentration camp victims.
In the wake of Pope Francis’ death April 21, 2025, Granados and freelancers Priscilla Greear and Tom Tracy were honored with second place in the “Hot Topic – Pope Francis” Spanish-language category for their “comprehensive and well-rounded reflection on [his] legacy.”
Cabrera Jarro’s coverage of Mother Adela Galindo’s inspiring vocation story, with photography by freelancer Emily Chaffins, was awarded third place in Spanish-language and an honorable mention in English-language. Judges praised Cabrera Jarro’s article as a “well-written profile of a rare modern-day founder of a religious community.”
Freelancer Marlene Quaroni brought home second place for “Best Photo Story – News” for her endearing photography of pet blessings.
“These awards are a wonderful recognition of the hard work, talent, and dedication of everyone who contributed to these achievements. They also honor the commitment of our journalists, whose dedication to serving the Church through excellent journalism continues to inform, inspire, and engage our Catholic community,” said Andoni Biurrarena, Archdiocese of Miami, Florida Catholic and La Voz Católica editor.
The Catholic Media Association represents more than 365 international publications, including newspapers, magazines, newsletters and general publishers. This year’s awards were announced June 19, 2026, the last day of the conference.
The following are more details about every award won by Archdiocese of Miami publications this year, along with judges’ comments.
Bishop’s Column in a Diocesan Magazine/Newspaper (Spanish)
First place: La Voz Católica – Archbishop Thomas Wenski: Los ‘muros’ fronterizos también deberían tener ‘puertas’ que permitan el flujo de inmigrantes legales.“The work is high-quality commentary that demonstrates a clear sense of voice and scope, offering an impressive dialogue between faith and reason, as well as between the Gospel and public life, with an authoritative tone that nonetheless invites thoughtful engagement and conversation.”
Best Coverage of Ecumenical and Interfaith Issues (English)
First place: Florida Catholic – Cristina Cabrera Jarro and Rocío Granados: Students immersed in Holocaust history.“At a time of rising antisemitism, when few Holocaust survivors remain to tell their stories, preserving this history and helping students understand it is crucial. This package of stories is full of well-organized information about Holocaust education, the Nostra Aetate declaration about improving Catholic-Jewish relations, and an explanation of the importance of the Nicene Creed. The writers put history into context and explored why it still matters today.”
Best News Writing – Local/Regional Event (Spanish)
First place: La Voz Católica – Rocío Granados and Tom Tracy: Una oración por Venezuela.“This is a well-developed and insightful series of stories that highlight the deep connections and solidarity between the Catholic Church in Miami and Cuba, while also portraying how the Venezuelan diaspora turns to the Church in Miami for support and stability, effectively enriched by strong background context on the social and political realities shaping these communities.”
Best Reporting on Social Justice Issues – Solidarity (Spanish)
First place: La Voz Católica – Priscilla Greear and Rocío Granados: En riesgo los programas de CRS; Del Vaticano a La Ermita; Llamados a defender la dignidad de los migrantes.“The story is a thoughtful exploration of how art transcends its medium to express, teach, and move people, effectively illustrating its role as a living expression of the Gospel.”
Best Photo Story – News (English)
Second place: Florida Catholic – Marlene Quaroni: Pets are a gift from God.“The photographer took an interesting approach in this series of photos that tells a complete and creative photo story.”
Hot Topic – Pope Francis (Spanish)
Second place: La Voz Católica – Rocío Granados, Priscilla Greear and Tom Tracy: Recordando al Papa Francisco.“The article is a comprehensive and well-rounded reflection on the legacy of Pope Francis as the first Latin American pontiff, effectively connecting his global impact to local perspectives in Miami, including insights from Archbishop Thomas Wenski, while highlighting the significance of the pope’s visit to Cuba and incorporating meaningful personal recollections.”
Best Regular Column – Spiritual Life (Spanish)
Second place: La Voz Católica – Padre Eduardo Barrios: Mitos Cubano-Miamenses.“This piece is very thoughtfully written!”
Spanish Publication of the Year
Third place: La Voz Católica – Emilio de Armas, Rocío Granados, Manolo Villaverde and Maritza Álvarez.“La Voz Católica’s beautifully attractive front pages draw the reader into a hyperlocal publication packed with coverage of archdiocesan schools, parishes and events – essential reading for anyone in the Archdiocese of Miami – as well as national and international news, which often yield local news stories.”
Best Reporting of Social Justice Issues – Option for the Poor and Vulnerable (English)
Third place: Florida Catholic – Priscilla Greear: Child experiences ‘miracle of love’ at Sagrada Familia.“This article really stands out because it’s so emotional, focusing on a powerful, personal story that shows compassion and human dignity. It makes faith feel real and easy to understand by showing it through one moving experience.”
Best Coverage – Immigration (Spanish)
Third place: La Voz Católica – Cristina Cabrera Jarro, Tom Tracy and Rocío Granados: Immigrants are healing, building and helping Miami.“The series provides clear and useful information about the complex subject of the changing legal situation for immigrants, along with original reporting about the conditions inside the detention center known as “Alligator Alcatraz” and the response of the leaders of the Archdiocese of Miami. The stories have a strong blend of research and original interviews.”
Best Personality Profile (Spanish)
Third place: La Voz Católica – Cristina Cabrera Jarro and Emily Chaffins: Madre Adela Galindo: 40 años de fiat.“This is a well-written profile of a rare modern-day founder of a religious community, with a lot of background about her own ‘yes,’ the early days of the community, and its subsequently impressive growth.”
Best Writing – In-Depth (Spanish)
Third place: La Voz Católica – Ana Rodriguez-Soto: Un año para celebrar 100.
Best Reporting on Social Justice Issues – Call to Family, Community and Participation (Spanish)
Third place: La Voz Católica – Emily Chaffins:“El milagro de nuestro hogar” y su valor.“[This] is a very interesting and well-written piece, highlighting how Joshua Fernandez channels his love of nature into service for others, while effectively incorporating the contributions of his classmates to create a fuller and more engaging story.”
Best Coverage on Catholic Education (English)
Honorable mention: Florida Catholic – Tom Tracy and Priscilla Greear: Catholic education is a wonderful opportunity.
Best Personality Profile – Religious Leader (English)
Honorable mention: Florida Catholic – Cristina Cabrera Jarro and Emily Chaffins: Mother Adela Galindo: 40 years of ‘fiat’.
Best Reporting of Social Justice Issues – Solidarity (English)
Honorable mention: Florida Catholic – Priscilla Greear: Miami-Dade County is ‘hub for immigration innovation, integration.’
Best Reporting on a Special Age-Group – Children and Teens Younger than 18 (English)
Honorable mention: Florida Catholic – Priscilla Greear: Students follow Jesus’ mission.
